Quarantine Beach & Activities
This 200m beach, located northwest towards Little Manly, is ideal for families seeking a peaceful getaway amidst nature. Enjoy the clear, calm waters, sand, and the refreshing salt air, all surrounded by rocks and National Park.
Bring your snorkels too! So many gorgeous sea creatures have made Quarantine Beach their home. Snorkels, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available for hire from Q Station’s Visitor Experience Centre located next to the beach or via our website. Quarantine Beach is located right next to Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar as well as our Wharf Cafe & Bar.
Things to do at Quarantine Beach:
- Swim
- Snorkel
- Kayak
- Stand Up Paddle Board
- Bushwalk
- Relax & Sunbake
Fishing is not permitted. Quarantine Beach is not patrolled by lifeguards.
Kayaks, Snorkel & Stand Up Paddle Boards
Kayak season is back open, so grab a kayak, Stand-Up Paddle Board, or snorkel set and explore gorgeous spots like Store Beach, Little Manly Cove, or Collins Beach, perfect for soaking up the stunning coastal scenery.
Rental availability depends on weather and operating hours, so kayaks are best booked 7 days in advance. On days with strong winds or storms, rentals may be limited for safety reasons. Any questions on rentals or safety guidelines, reach out to experience@qstation.com.au or pop into the Visitor Experience Centre.
Kayak & SUP Hire
1-hour single kayak/SUP – $40
2-hour single kayak/SUP – $55
3-hour single kayak/SUP – $60
4-hour single kayak/SUP – $65
1-hour double kayak – $65
2-hour double kayak – $90
3-hour double kayak – $100
4-hour double kayak – $105
Snorkel Hire
Kids set – $15
Adults set – $20
Launch Times
Monday – Friday: From 10:00am
Saturday & Sunday: From 11:00am
All equipment to be returned by 3:30pm
Dive Equipment:
We’ve partnered with Dive Centre Manly to offer exciting underwater experiences off Q Station’s shores. North Head’s natural beauty hosts diverse wildlife both above and below water, including echidnas, bandicoots, penguins, sea dragons, and endangered seagrass. The waters in front of Quarantine Beach and the wharf are part of North Harbour Dive Centre, a PADI 5-Star facility offering courses from Discover Scuba to Instructor.
With easy access to boat and shore dives, you can enjoy snorkel trails, beach clean-ups, or explore sites like Old Man’s Hat near the old hospital, featuring caves, swim-throughs, and abundant marine life such as nudibranchs, sharks, rays, eels, and more – all within an aquatic reserve perfect for underwater adventures.
Website: www.divesydney.com.au
Email: info@divesydney.com.au
Phone: (02) 9977 4355
Areas To Explore:
Store Beach, between Quarantine and Collins Beach, was once used for unloading provisions for the Quarantine Station. This 200m sheltered beach, fringed by bushland and facing west across North Harbour, is only accessible by water. It’s perfect for couples seeking romance or families wanting to escape the crowds. Its scenic views and pristine sands create a feeling of remote tropical escape. Fairy penguins also breed here, and access is restricted after dusk to protect them.
Collins Beach is a few minutes from Manly Wharf, nestled between North Head and Little Manly Cove within Sydney Harbour National Park. It offers calm waters for swimming and stunning views of The Heads.
Little Manly Cove features a small harbour-side beach, a fenced swimming enclosure, and rocky ledges for exploring. The shallow waters are ideal for children, with shade in the mornings. The views of the harbour and eastern suburbs are spectacular, especially at sunset. The park provides everything needed for a relaxing day of play, fishing, swimming, or just unwinding.